Stone Mountain sunset, moonrise, and fireworks hike

This another in the Summit Sunset Series where we enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...

Ok for this one we are going to try for the hat trick of sunset, moonrise and fireworks.  Of course weather or other unforeseen circumstances could derail one or more of these, but we'll give it a shot.

This event is somewhat flexible with when you arrive or leave, so read below for more details if you aren't sure if it will work for you (i.e. if you don't want to stay out too late).

But here's the plan:

6:45 PM - meet at the restrooms near the beginning of main walkup trail.  To get warmed up before we hit the mtn, we'll begin with hike of the Stone Mtn Nature Trail (thanks to TL Laura V for pioneering this idea).  This is only about a 2 mi roundtrip from where we are starting out and should just take about 45 min.  We will return to the restrooms and take a break and people an refill their water, etc.

7:45 PM - we'll begin hiking up the main walkup trail.  Also, if you want to skip the nature trail part and arrive later and start at this point, that's fine.  But everyone can head up the mtn at their own pace and take either the main trail or the gravel road up.  We will meet at the top and then do a little 1/2 mi hike around the eastern side of the summit area.

8:50 PM - Sunset...hopefully we'll get lucky with a sweet one.  

After the sunset, you can choose to either head down. or you can hang out and just enjoy the cool breeze and and the city lights below...very peaceful up there.  Or you can hike back down and back up for an extra workout.

9:47 PM - Moonrise.  Ok there is really only one or two days per month when you can do a good moonrise hike at St Mtn.  (without being up there all night).   To manage everyone's expectations...you don't get a superb moonrise from intown because of light pollution (and smog pollution), but it should still be good if we don't have clouds in the way.  And it's always a fun game to see who can spot the moon first.

10:15 PM - Fireworks.  The Stone Mtn Park lasershow starts at 9:30 and ends at around 10:15.  They shoot off fireworks during and at the end of the show (at least they did last year), and it is from fun to watch those from above (see pic below). We will head down the mtn after this, at about 10:20 PM.

Total distance is about 4.5 miles and elevation gain of about 900 feet.  Pace will be moderate on the nature trail part and everyone goes up and down the mtn itself at their own comfortable pace.




We will meet near the start of the walk-up trail near the parking lot beside Confederate Hall. There is a $10 fee to drive into the Park; however, free parking is available in Stone Mountain Village. See directions below...

If you would like to try the free public parking, there is a Marta Park and Ride on Fourth Street in Stone Mountain Village. From there it is a less than a half mile walk on East Mountain Street into the Park and you will end up right at the start of the walk-up trail where we are meeting.

Use the Google Map for exact directions from your location.

Additional directions and maps can be found at:
http://stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx

To the main entrance- From I-285 take U.S. Hwy 78 East (Snellville/Athens) exit. Travel about 7 miles and take Exit 8.  After entering the Park, proceed straight ahead. The road will fork in about 1 mile - stay to the right. Continue to follow the road for another mile. Confederate Hall will be on your left. The parking lot will be immediately after. We will meet behind Confederate Hall, right outside of the railroad track and near the restrooms...at the start of the walk up trail.